Lights have a bit of action to tackle accident blackspot!

LOCALS have been left seeing red as new traffic lights at a notorious accident black spot had still to be switched on . . . almost two months after they were installed.

Residents and community leaders have campaigned for traffic lights at the junction of Milton Road and Benvue Road, near Rowantree Place in Lennoxtown, for years.

The Herald reported last month that the traffic lights were set to be in operation by the end of January. However, they were still not working last week.

Campsie and Kirkintilloch North councillor John Dempsey has led a campaign for the traffic lights.

He said: “I’m concerned about the time it is taking Scottish Power to connect the lights.

“The council completed its work before Christmas, in record time. It’s very frustrating that Scottish Power seem to be dragging their heels on this matter.”

He added: “There was yet another accident at this junction recently. How much longer must wait to get the lights connected?

“It would seem it is a low priority for Scottish Power, but a very important one for the community.” A spokesperson for Campsie Community Council said: “We are very annoyed about this considering the work that Councillor Dempsey has done and the electricity company are now holding things up.”

East Dunbartonshire Council confirmed they have been working with Scottish Power to resolve the issue.

David Devine, head of roads and neighbourhood services, said: “The traffic lights on Benvue Road were installed on schedule, but unfortunately, due to a Scottish Power connection issue they are currently not in operation.

“We have been in regular contact with Scottish Power on this, but as of yet have not been given a date of when they will carry out a repair.”

However, when the Herald contacted Scottish Power about the issue, a spokesperson said: “The only notification we’ve received against this fault was on Thursday, February 16.

“We went out on Friday, February 17 to check the underground network, but there is no indication of any fault. We now need to look at the overhead network.”